Law enforcement arrested Yahya Mohamed Mosleh, 51, and Islam Mohamed, 18, both of Oxford, on Thursday following a raid at Puffs Vape, Tobacco and Beer Store. The two men face charges of possession of Schedule I controlled substances with intent to distribute, according to the Lafayette County Metro Narcotics Unit.
Investigators opened an investigation after receiving reports that illegal substances were sold from the store, located in the 100 block of Heritage Drive in Oxford. Agents from the Metro Narcotics Unit conducted a controlled purchase of illegal substances, which provided the basis for a search warrant.
During the search, agents seized more than 500 units of kratom, along with THC cartridges, THC gummies and other suspected narcotics. Kratom has been banned from possession, sale and distribution within Oxford since 2019.
The store's owner, Amer Alowdi, 40, was indicted in 2022 for narcotics trafficking and reportedly fled the country before prosecutors could pursue the case.
The arrests come days after kratom was discovered at the scene of two deaths involving Ole Miss students. Police have not confirmed any direct connection between the vape shop arrests and the student deaths. Toxicology results in those investigations could be available as early as next week.
Metro Narcotics officials said the operation remains active and additional charges and arrests may follow.
